ITV has broadcast footage of staff at a care home slapping and abusing a patient in their care. The two care staff at The Priory Highbank Centre in Bury have now pleaded guilty to abusing a brain-damaged patient at the private care home which charges around £3,500 a week for care.
The pair had been secretly filmed by a concerned family member slapping and swearing at the vulnerable patient.
The hospital issued a statement: “Everyone at the company deeply regrets the unacceptable actions of these two members of staff both of whom had over 10 years’ service and previously unblemished records. The company will not tolerate behaviour of this nature and both healthcare assistants have been dismissed for gross misconduct.”
Malcolm Bower Brown, CQC Regional Director for the North was reported as saying: ‘We are aware of this shocking case involving two former employees of The Priory Highbank Centre in Bury. Our thoughts today are with the victim of this dreadful abuse and their family. Our most recent inspection in February 2014 found the home to be meeting the national standards reviewed. However, we continue to monitor the position carefully and will not hesitate take any regulatory action necessary to ensure residents receive the service they are entitled to expect.’
It can be highly stressful to discover that those supposed to be caring for friends or family have breached their duties in such a shocking way. This is especially true in relation to vulnerable relatives such as those deemed to lack capacity or children.
By Stuart Crook, solicitor in the civil liberties team
The actions against public bodies team at Stephensons is able to assist in seeking damages from public bodies such as care homes or other government departments. This includes possible action against private care homes acting in a public capacity for the local authority.
We can also offer assistance and advice in relation to investigations and complaints to the Care Quality Commission.
If you require assistance or guidance please do not hesitate to contact us.
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